1999 Caterham Seven 1.6L Petrol · W89 XGN
1999 Caterham Seven (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1999. Recorded mileage 3,479 miles. MOT expired on 23 Jul 2026. Taxed until 01 Aug 2026.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Jul 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 3,479 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
W89 XGN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/07/2025
- 3,479 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
W89 XGN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Caterham Seven (W89 XGN) between June 2023 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))”.
W89 XGN Mileage History
- 06/06/20232,935 mi
- 28/06/20243,362 mi+427 mi
- 05/07/20243,406 mi+44 mi
- 22/07/20243,408 mi+2 mi
- 25/07/20253,479 mi+71 mi
Average of roughly 255 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Caterham Caterham Seven (Rover K-Series)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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CATERHAM SEVEN Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1999 model year cars.
- Head Gasket Failure (HGF)Serious
The Rover K-Series engine is prone to head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity and "sandwich" construction.
- Cooling System DegradationSerious
The K-Series has a very small coolant capacity, making it intolerant of any cooling system weakness. Coolant pipes perish during winter storage, header tank caps fail and fan switches can stick, all leading to rapid overheating.
- Chassis CorrosionSerious
The thin-wall tubular steel chassis can rust quickly if the powder coating is compromised. Corrosion typically starts at welds and joints where moisture and road salt become trapped, and can threaten structural integrity.
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